Definitions
- Explaining or defending a decision or action taken. - Providing a reason or explanation for something that has been done. - Making an argument to support a particular position or belief.
- Establishing the legality or validity of something. - Making something acceptable or recognized by society or a particular group. - Giving authority or credibility to something that was previously considered illegitimate or questionable.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve providing a basis for something.
- 2Both words are used to make something more acceptable or understandable.
- 3Both words can be used to defend or support a particular position or belief.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Justify focuses on providing a reason or explanation for something that has already been done, while legitimize focuses on establishing the validity or acceptability of something that may have been previously questioned or rejected.
- 2Scope: Justify is often used in a narrower context, such as explaining a specific decision or action, while legitimize can be used in a broader context, such as establishing the credibility of an entire industry or practice.
- 3Connotation: Justify can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting that something needs to be defended or explained, while legitimize has a more positive connotation, suggesting that something is being given legitimacy or credibility.
- 4Usage: Justify is more commonly used in everyday language, while legitimize is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts.
- 5Type of reasoning: Justify usually involves providing logical or rational reasons, while legitimize may involve appealing to social norms or cultural values.
Remember this!
Justify and legitimize are both words used to provide a basis for something. However, justify is used to explain or defend a decision or action that has already been taken, while legitimize is used to establish the validity or acceptability of something that may have been previously questioned or rejected. While both words can be used to support a particular position or belief, justify is more commonly used in everyday language, while legitimize is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts.
